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title: IRC
x-toc-enable: true
...

We have chat rooms (IRC based, on the libera network), which can be used for
members of the community to contact each other:

The *+s* flag is set on all of these channels, so that someone can\'t know
you\'re in these channels when they run *whois* on your IRC nick.  The only way
for someone to know is if they join those channels and see you there.

These are *safe spaces*. You are free to be yourself here, without judgement.

-   [\#transchat](https://web.libera.chat/#transchat)
    This is a support channel, for people who need support. It is not a social
    channel. For general socializing/discussions (even about things that are
    off-topic in a trans support group), go to the #transchat-social channel (see
    below):
-   [\#transchat-social](https://web.libera.chat/#transchat-social) (general
    lobby or meeting place for the community, for people of all gender
    identities whether female, male, non-binary, etc. Anyone is welcome.
    Intersex people and eunuchs are also welcome. This is for socializing.
    Support goes in the main channel!)
-   [\#transchat-nsfw](https://web.libera.chat/#transchat-nsfw) -
    sensitive topics go here.

The above links are for *web based* chat, but you can also use other IRC
clients on GNU+Linux, BSD, MacOS, Windows, Android, Replicant, iOS etc
(GNU+Linux, BSD or Replicant highly recommended, for your
[freedom from tyranny as a
computer user](https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html).

Information for connecting to IRC is as follows:

-   Server: irc.libera.chat
-   Port: 6697
-   TLS/SSL encryption is **required** on this port. You must enable encryption
-   Channels are #transchat, #transchat-social, #transchat-nsfw

Whether you use the web chat, or a non-web based IRC client, it is highly
recommended that you register your nick. Type this into IRC for information
about how to register your IRC nickname:

    /msg nickserv help register
